Complex Behaviors
Animal Models of Executive Function
July 5, 2021
The brain acts as a “black box” where sensory inputs are processed and transformed into action to survive and succeed. As the organism becomes more complex,…
Modeling Intelligence in Rodents
July 2, 2021
Nicola Tesla, Marie Curie, Albert Einstein, and Stephan Hawking are names associated with high intelligence. People want to understand this fascinating trait…
Modeling Chronic Stress
June 14, 2021
In order to survive, our bodies need to constantly adapt to environmental challenges. This process of regulation is called homeostasis[1] and describes…
Rodent Models of Empathy Disorders
May 31, 2021
Empathy is the capability to not only recognize and understand another individual’s emotional state and experience, but to also share these feelings and…
In this section, we explore the different models used for recreating complex behaviors. These complex behaviors are differentiated by the presence of a key cognitive component. Although all models in animal research are complex in their own regard, here we cover particularly challenging topics such as creativity, genius, music, and more.
For related content, see:
- Neurological Disease Models: Browse through the various rodent models which are specifically used to model neurological diseases. Featured topics range from seizures to PTSD to depression.
- Non-Neurological Disease Models: Non-neurological diseases can also affect behaviors. Here, we highlight the many non-neurological disease models used in neuroscience research.
- Animal Models: See how different types of animals, like sheep and pigs, are used in animal research and what they can teach us about behavioral neuroscience.
- Mouse Ethogram: A comprehensive resource that lists detailed information profiling all known mouse behaviors, including information on pharmaceutical studies, disease models, and different mouse strains that display the behavior in focus.
Animal Models of Executive Function
July 5, 2021
The brain acts as a “black box” where sensory inputs are processed and transformed into action to survive and succeed. As the organism becomes more complex,…
Modeling Intelligence in Rodents
July 2, 2021
Nicola Tesla, Marie Curie, Albert Einstein, and Stephan Hawking are names associated with high intelligence. People want to understand this fascinating trait…
Modeling Chronic Stress
June 14, 2021
In order to survive, our bodies need to constantly adapt to environmental challenges. This process of regulation is called homeostasis[1] and describes…
Rodent Models of Empathy Disorders
May 31, 2021
Empathy is the capability to not only recognize and understand another individual’s emotional state and experience, but to also share these feelings and…
Overview: Learning and Memory Assays
March 4, 2021
Learning plays a fundamental role in an organism’s adaptability to its environment, which, in turn, is crucial for its survival. Learning is an adaptive…
Overview: Anxiety and Depression Assays
March 2, 2021
Anxiety is characterized by prolonged apprehensive feelings to a threat that may not necessarily exist or be considered a threat. Classification of anxiety…
Social Behavior & the Brain
December 2, 2019
Introduction The Ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle said that “man is by nature a social animal”. While social behaviors are ubiquitous in the animal kingdom,…
Testing Olfactory Behavior in Mice
October 18, 2019
Olfaction, more commonly known as a sense of smell, is ubiquitous in the animal kingdom and central to the life of many creatures. Mice for example rely on…
A Rodent Model for Human Adolescence
July 4, 2019
Introduction Adolescence is for all of us, a very important and defining period of our lives. It is overall defined as the transitional period in which the…
How to model intermittent fasting in rodents
May 11, 2019
Intermittent fasting is an umbrella term for dietary plans that are characterized by time-restricted eating. Nowadays, it has become a highly popular weight…
Activity Testing in Mice with Behavioral Test Batteries
April 24, 2019
Introduction: Why Use Test Batteries? Behavioral testing with mouse models forms a key part of scientific research in various fields. It is standard practice…
How to Minimise Anxiety in Mouse Handling
November 20, 2018
Introduction Mice have proven central to scientific research over the past century, serving as one of the most trusted and ubiquitous animal models for the…
